Q: As a homeowner, what is
the benefit to me of the permitting process?
A: Life
safety is the focus of building codes and related codes and standards.
The permitting process, established by Florida
Statutes, the Florida Building Code and the Broward
County Administrative Provisions, Chapter 1 of the FBC, requires
the Building Department to verify that the contractor and subcontractors
working on your job are properly licensed and insured, that the plans
submitted meet minimum code requirements, that work is inspected
at key points during construction, that these inspections are approved
before construction can proceed, and that a final inspection is approved
in order to close out the permit. [Back
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Q:
When is a permit required?
A: A
permit is required for work on your property involving physical changes
to an existing structure, or the addition of a new structure. Some
examples are: new construction, building alterations, room additions,
driveways pools, screen enclosures, fences, pavers, re-roofing work,
garage conversions, air conditioning unit replacement, new electrical
service, rewiring, replacement of exterior doors and windows, hot
water heater replacement, change of use or occupancy, structural
repairs, and the demolition or removal of structures including pools,
screen enclosures and fences. This listing is not meant to be complete;
if you are unsure whether or not a permit is required for your project,
please call the Building Department.
NOTE: A
permit, where required, must be applied
for and acquired before any such work
may commence. [Back
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Q:
When is a permit not required?
A: All
work where exempt from permit shall still be required to comply with
the Code. A permit is generally not required for maintenance or repairs,
including repairs of roof coverings, which do not affect occupancy
and which are valued at less than $1,500 in labor and materials as
determined by the Building Official. A permit is not required for
interior or exterior painting, for repairs of leaks, unstopping of
sewers or waste pipes, repairing faucets or valves, cleaning of septic
tanks, or for placement of chemical toilets on construction sites. [Back
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Q:
What is required when applying for a permit?
A: In
general, two copies of a current survey and two sets of signed and
sealed plans must be submitted with the permit application for review.
When your plans are fully approved, you will pick up your permit
along with one set of plans for your use during construction and
inspections. Note that there are many types of permits for which
the submittal requirements may be different. Please call the Building
Department for specific information. [Back
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Q:
How can I tell whether or not a Permit has been issued for a particular
project?
A: Please
contact the Building Department. We can access permit information
in the computer system by address, owner, or contractor. This information
is not available on-line at this time. [Back
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Q:
My Permit Application has not yet been approved. May I begin the
work?
A: No;
an approved Permit must be obtained and posted at the job-site with
the approved plans prior to the commencement of any work. The Florida
Building Code provides for substantial penalties for working without
a permit. [Back
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Q:
Can I apply for an Owner - Builder Permit for my project?
A: Florida
law, specifically Florida
Statutes Chapter 489, requires construction to be done
by licensed contractors. There is, however, an exemption which allows
a property owner to act as his own contractor, as long as certain
specific requirements are met. These are outlined in Section
489.103(7). Please review the current version of this
law on-line, and refer to the owner-builder
affidavit and the owner-builder
questionnaire, posted on this site, which must be completed
and submitted with an owner-builder permit application. As noted
in this documentation, you may not hire an unlicensed person as your
contractor; you must supervise the construction yourself; anyone
working under your supervision (other than licensed and insured contractors)
must be employed by you, and you must deduct FICA and
withholding tax and provide worker’s compensation insurance
for that employee; and you may not offer the building (or building
with improvement) for sale or lease within one year after construction
is complete. [Back
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